UNEXPECTED DISASTERS PUT JOHOR’S PREPAREDNESS TO THE TEST IN 2025

JOHOR BAHRU, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Johor’s 2025 calendar was marked by a series of unexpected natural and environmental incidents, including earth tremors and river pollution, that tested the state government’s disaster preparedness and response capabilities.

Johor, previously considered a quake-free zone, drew national attention when a series of tremors struck Segamat and Batu Pahat between late August and November.

The tremors began on Aug 24, when residents in Segamat were jolted by a 4.1-magnitude earthquake at 6.13 am, followed shortly by a smaller 2.8-magnitude tremor.

A further nine minor tremors were recorded across August, September and November.

The Minerals and Geoscience Department Malaysia (JMG) later confirmed that the tremors were linked to ancient volcanic activity in Segamat, particularly in the Jementah and Batu Badak areas, which lie within a Tertiary volcanic zone formed millions of years ago.

By September, at least RM550,000 was required to repair minor damage to 15 government buildings, including five schools, the Segamat police quarters, Segamat Hospital, Bandar Putra Health Clinic, Segamat Community College and several government quarters.

To strengthen earthquake monitoring, the Federal Government approved RM3 million for the construction of two additional weak-motion seismological stations in Johor.

While authorities were still addressing concerns over seismic activity, Johor was hit by another major crisis involving river pollution.

On Oct 31, severe pollution in Sungai Johor caused unscheduled water supply disruptions in Kota Tinggi, Johor Bahru, Kulai and Pontian, affecting about 1.17 million residents.

The Johor Department of Environment (DOE) confirmed that the sludge-like pollution originated from a burst sediment pond (bund silt pond) belonging to a local sand-mining company upstream.

More than 150 fishermen and Orang Asli communities were also affected after raw water turbidity levels surged to 37,400 Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTU), far above the normal level of around 400 NTU.

Following the incident, Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi announced a 15 per cent rebate on October water bills for 292,158 affected consumer accounts, including domestic users, houses of worship, business premises and welfare institutions.

Onn Hafiz also apologised to Johor residents, acknowledging that the incident disrupted livelihoods and affected the operations of schools, hospitals and businesses, and stressed that those responsible would face appropriate action.

-- BERNAMA